Economic marginalization fueled Boko Haram – Security analyst

Security analyst, Irbard Ibrahim, has admonished African countries not to create conditions that serve as breeding grounds for insurgency.

He said violence purveyed by Boko Haram in parts of Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, thrived because a large army unemployed youth are readily available for recruitment into the group.

He said even though Ghana does not face an imminent danger, the best “way to fight a potential insurgency is by recognizing it early and denying it a safe haven and conducive environment in which to operate.”

Mr. Ibrahim was discussing the Boko Haram menace which has given Nigerian authorities sleepless nights on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show Wednesday.

He said it was absolutely necessary to “create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth and don’t let the masses live in abject penury in the midst of plenty and as much as possible you shouldn’t marginalize or alienate any part of your country.”

Boko Haram, based largely in the north of Nigeria has bombed churches, shot and killed families and recently, abducted school girls.

Despite widespread international condemnation, the group has refused to free the girls, weeks after to the audacious act.

The group believes western education had perverted the Nigerian society and produced many corrupt leaders in the country.

Irbard Ibrahim said their modus operandi has no place in Islam, but added that their objectives appear to be appealing to the unemployed and economically marginalized.

He however maintained that poverty cannot be a justification for extremism.

Touching on the fate of the girls, Mr. Ibrahim said it was important to negotiate with the insurgents for their release.

He fears the use of military force could endanger the lives of the girls.